The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 13 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center. We asked each of the eight competitors a few questions to learn more them! Get to know four of these competitors: The Amateurs, Green Tones, Vocal Point and Final Measure! Want to read more? Check out our second installment here!
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for part two with responses from the remaining four competitors. Tickets to the Take 6 concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Want to see both shows? Then purchase a combo ticket for just $29. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org, by visiting the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am–2 pm or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.
The Amateurs – Washington University, St. Louis
What is in your repertoire?
We don't have a specific genre or theme that we stick to. Our repertoire is specific to the current iteration of the group but we often leans towards pop, some R&B and jazz pop. Some recent songs we performed at our concerts have been “Bass Song” by Eryn Allen Kane, “Lacy” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Georgia” by Phoebe Bridgers and “Pretty Please” by Dua Lipa.
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
We work with precisely notated music and we also sing arrangements exclusively composed by members of our group. Any member can arrange and it is highly encouraged - we even hold arranging school/support sessions for new arrangers to get advice on their work from our music directors!
How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?
The Amateurs was formed in 1991 by a close-knit group of friends. Fun fact, it used to be a band with instruments, but it slowly developed into an a cappella group. The name "The Amateurs" was picked because of the definition of an amateur: someone who does something because they love it. Of course our motto is "do it because you love it.”
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
We have the same set of tongue twisters that have been passed down for years! We will not start a rehearsal or prepare for a performance without reciting them. We always pair them with corresponding hand movements that have developed over the decades.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
Yebba, Beyoncé, Eryn Allen Kane, Hozier and Phoebe Bridgers. If the list could keep going, Lana Del Rey, SZA, Ariana Grande and Noah Kahan. Everyone's taste is so diverse, and we love sharing new songs with one another.
What does your group like to do in their free time?
In our free time, you will find us hanging out around campus, having movie nights, board game nights, picnicking in Forest Park in St. Louis and spending time together as roommates.
Green Tones – University of North Texas
What is in your repertoire?
Our repertoire opens with “Intro” by Orion Sun, then “Alone” by Heart and closes with “The Neighborhood” by Grace Enger.
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
We primarily work with notated music because we try to have original arrangements ready at the beginning of the semester that already consider our group's current structure and sound. With that being said, we try not to limit ourselves and we improvise/change certain vowels, phrases and dynamics as needed.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Typically, our pre-show ritual is to set the intentions of the group's goal and perform accordingly. Nothing crazy, just a reaffirmation that we are a group and we are there to be the best we can be.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
All our members are unique and listen/sing all different styles of music. Whether it be our beatboxer's love for death metal or our music director's love for Lizzy McAlpine, choosing a top five would be impossible!
What does your group like to do in their free time?
In our free time we love to talk and catch up! We all have busy schedules and are hard at work on the days we can meet, but when there is free time, we love to joke around. It's a large group with so many different, fun personalities, the conversation topics are endless!
What’s one thing you want people to know about your group?
One thing we want people to know and see within our performance is how dedicated we are to our craft. We all love music and a cappella is another outlet to show and express that love. With every performance or recording, we hope to show the passion we have as a collective for music and making art.
Vocal Point – University of Delaware
What is in your repertoire?
For our set, we will be singing a mashup of “Tongue” originally performed by Maribou State (feat. Holly Walker) and Loïc Nottet’s “Million Eyes,” “Medusa” by Kaia Jette and Hayley Williams’ “Simmer.”
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
Our group only works with notated music. We have a wonderful arrangement team that consists of current members who arrange our music every semester. Additionally, we have a huge library of past songs that Vocal Point has sung.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Before competitions we have a tradition called “VP letters.” Each member writes a personalized letter to someone else. On the day of competitions, we give our letters to each other and it is so special! Having a personalized note of encouragement, happy memories and inside jokes from every current member brings the loving energy of Vocal Point to maximum capacity and makes us feel so close. It reminds us why we do what we do with the people around us and creates an infectious energy that cannot be duplicated.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
“Harley's in Hawaii” by Katy Perry, “Me and Your Mama” by Childish Gambino, “Clarity” by Zedd, “777” by Silk Sonic and “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse.
What does your group like to do in their free time?
We come from a wide variety of majors including education, chemical engineering, music and criminal justice! Between us, there are lots of activities we like to do, including stand-up comedy, fishkeeping club and improv. Others like to write original music, read books and advocate for social justice causes. As a whole, we love to sing together and hang out. A Vocal Point staple is traveling to the rope swing & ropes course on a hiking trail near campus!
What’s one thing you want people to know about your group?
We are very passionate about the music we make, both on the stage and in the studio. Check out our latest EP, “Collision,” on all streaming platforms!
Final Measure – University of Houston
What is in your repertoire?
Our repertoire is slowly expanding to any genre! We mostly work on pop, R&B, a bit of country and electronic dance music!
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
Final Measure typically works with precisely notated music. The group comprises members with various backgrounds and majors, ranging from business, acting, vocal performance, marketing and more. Most of the group members have experience in precisely notated music, such as musicals, show choir and semi-professional chorale.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Our group has various warm-ups, ranging from breathing exercises to movement routines. During our competition season, we typically go backstage about two to three groups before our performance. This allows us to project our full power within a certain time frame, helping to avoid putting too little or too much strain on our voices. We start with scales using various vowels while stretching, focusing on maintaining breath support and engaging our core muscles. Then, we do a whole-body shakedown followed by a brief yoga session to increase the group's awareness of their bodies. As part of our ritual, I usually give a pre-game speech followed by an “I feel so good” chant.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give use your top 5?
In terms of my personal preferences and listening to some of the group members' favorites, there's a couple of bangers in there. These are artists such as Chloe x Halle, Renee Rapp, Jung Kook, Lawrence, and Rihanna.
What does your group like to do in their free time?
In our free time, we often have groups going out to eat after a productive rehearsal. We also enjoy organizing themed parties and going out for karaoke nights on campus. Additionally, we like to do mini performances in our free time, not only to maintain our performance repertoire but also to keep our voices fresh.
What’s one thing you want people to know about your group?
Final Measure is a student-led and founded group that began in 2021. Over our first three years, we have won various awards, including runner-up for best soloist, best vocal percussionist and more. We are a competitive a cappella group that also enjoys having fun with others who share the same passion.
VoiceJam Festival Schedule
VoiceJam Kickoff Concert – Take 6
Friday, April 12 | 8 pm
All tickets are $10
VoiceJam Workshops
Saturday, April 13 | 9 am – 5 pm
VoiceJam Competition
Saturday, April 13 | 7:30 pm
Tickets are $27